Method of controlling lighting sources, corresponding system and computer program product

ABSTRACT

According to the present disclosure, lighting sources having operating parameter(s), which is controllable in lighting sequence(s) as a function of a time code data set coupled with the sequence, are controlled as a function of a videogame played on display(s): by providing a repository of operating data files for the sources coupled with the lighting sources with each data file including time code data set(s) for lighting sequence(s) for one of the lighting sources, by retrieving in the data repository operating data file(s) coupled with a source selected among the lighting sources, and by detecting from the display a videogame signal indicative of the development of a videogame, and by operating the selected lighting source by controlling the operating parameter(s) as a function of the operating data included in the operating data file retrieved and as a function of the videogame signal detected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Italian Patent Application SerialNo. 102016000086872, which was filed Aug. 24, 2016, and is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present description relates to lighting sources.

One or more embodiments may find application in various contexts, bothon a professional and on a non-professional level.

BACKGROUND

Light fixtures for professional applications (e.g. in the show business,such as theatres, cinemas, stages or discotheques) and forsemi-professional applications (e.g. hotels, restaurants, meetingrooms), as well as for some non-professional environments (e.g.household or small meeting places) may impose specific needs which arenot found in more common situations. In such contexts, it may bedesirable to fully take advantage of the potentialities of the lightingsources in ways different from current applications. For example, it maybe desirable to modify the lighting features during a show, by acting onparameters such as light colour, light directionality, lightdistribution, light brightness etc. Such an ability to modify lightingparameters may be of interest also for household applications, e.g.listening to music, watching a TV program or film, for web applicationsand e.g. for on-line videogames.

In current applications, when it is impossible or undesirable to resortto a wholly human control, audio sensors may be employed which areadapted to detect some characteristics of an audio program beingbroadcast (e.g. by sensing the bass sounds of drums), by associatingsuch detection to specific interventions on the lighting sources.

This solution suffers from intrinsic limitations, both as regards thepossible light combinations and as regards a possible creative/artisticusage of the lighting sources: an example may be the possibility ofmatching lighting in a given environment with a specific musicalprogram/film/event and the flexible usage of lighting sources by the enduser.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments aim at overcoming the previously describeddrawbacks.

According to one or more embodiments, said object may be achieved thanksto a method having the features specifically set forth in the claimsthat follow.

One or more embodiments may also concern a corresponding system, as wellas a corresponding computer program product adapted to be loaded in thememory of at least one processing device, and including software codeportions to execute the processing steps when the program is run on atleast one computer. As used herein, the reference to such a computerprogram product corresponds to the reference to computer-readable media,which contain instructions to control the processing system in order tocoordinate the implementation of the method according to the presentdisclosure. The reference to “at least one processing device” highlightsthe possibility of implementing one or more embodiments in a modularand/or distributed arrangement.

The claims are an integral part of the technical teaching providedherein with reference to the embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the sameparts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarilyto scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating theprinciples of the disclosed embodiments. In the following description,various embodiments described with reference to the following drawings,in which:

FIG. 1 is a first possible functional block diagram of a systemaccording to one or more embodiments,

FIG. 2 is a second possible functional block diagram of a systemaccording to one or more embodiments,

FIG. 3 is a third possible functional block diagram of a systemaccording to one or more embodiments, and

FIG. 4 is a fourth possible functional block diagram of a systemaccording to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various specific details are given toprovide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments. Theembodiments may be practiced without one or several specific details, orwith other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, and operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of theembodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, the possible appearances of thephrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only, and therefore donot interpret the extent of protection or scope of the embodiments.

Part of the following detailed description reproduces the detaileddescription of the Italian Patent Application 102016000024679 of 9 Mar.2016.

In the Figures, references 1, 2, . . . , n denote a certain number oflighting fixtures, which may be the same or different from each other,and which may be installed in one or more environments, such as ageneral ambient A.

As used herein, the term “ambient” is to be construed in its broadestmeaning, being adapted to include either a venue for shows and/or events(e.g. a theatre, a cinema, a stage, a discotheque, a sport facilityetc.) or a public space (e.g. a hotel, a restaurant, a meeting room), ora home environment adapted to be lighted by sources 1, 2, . . . , n,which may be present in any number.

In one or more embodiments, the light radiation sources may beimplemented with different technologies.

Moreover, it will be assumed herein that said lighting sources have atleast one selectively controllable operating parameter.

Said operating parameter may be chosen in a very wide range: it may bee.g. the level of light brightness (which is controllable in on/offswitching but also for a selective adjustment of intensity, so-called“dimming”), or the colour of the emitted light radiation, theorientation (both static, so-called “tilt”, or dynamic, e.g. as regardsthe speed, the width or the path of a panoramic movement), the focus,the zoom (panoramic or spotlight) and so on: as a possible non-limitingreference, it is possible to take into account all the parameters whichmay be modified in order to implement lighting effects, optionally incombination with other effects (e.g. coloured smoke).

Light radiation sources having such option of selectively controlling atleast one lighting parameter are known in the art, which makes itunnecessary to provide a more detailed description herein.

This also regards the possibility of controlling such parametersaccording to one or more lighting sequence, according to a time codedata set adapted to identify, e.g., when a certain parameter of thelight radiation source is to be modified. As a simple example (the ideabeing adapted to be transferred to any parameter regulating theoperation of a lighting source) we may mention an on/off switchingsequence of the source at given times, which identify the moments whenthe light radiation source is turned on or off.

Therefore, for each light radiation source 1, 2, . . . , n, it ispossible to identify at least one operating parameter which may becontrolled according to at least one lighting sequence, on the basis ofa certain time code data set. Such control action may be exerted via acontrol device—known in itself—which will be named local controller LCin the following. The term “local” refers to the fact that such acontroller may act locally (i.e. in ambient A), in order to control thelight radiation sources 1, 2, . . . , n correspondingly.

This may take place specifically via a computer program product (i.e.via software) offering the ability, via controller LC, to identify eachsingle source 1, 2, . . . , n and to act on the respective operatingparameters, according to software instructions adapted to be defined bythe user during calibration. For example, in one or more embodiments,the user may calibrate certain functions, e.g. according to theinstallation of the devices in ambient A.

In one or more embodiments, such a calibration (i.e. a preparatorydefinition of the parameters which may be controlled, and of the waythey may be controlled, for each source 1, 2, . . . , n) may also becarried out by the end user, via a remote controller RC which will bebetter detailed in the following.

In one or more embodiments, the software instructions may not be exactlydefined at the beginning, the “free parameters” (undefined parameters)thereof being adapted to be set during calibration.

One or more embodiments may envisage providing, e.g. at a server SP(adapted to be located remotely from ambient A, although such a solutionis not mandatory), a repository of operating data of sources 1, 2, . . ., n.

In one or more embodiments, the files of such operating data may beorganized in Data Packages (DPs) which are coupled, i.e. associated, tolighting sources 1, 2, . . . , n, in such a way that each data file DPmay comprise at least one time code data set for at least one lightingsequence of a respective lighting source 1, 2, . . . , n.

The following Table exemplifies a possible organization of such DataPackages:

Source No. Lighting Sequence Time Code Data Set 1 S11 t_(S11, 1),t_(S11, 2), . . . , t_(S11, k) 1 S12 t_(S12, 1), t_(S12, 2), . . . ,t_(S12, l) 2 S21 t_(S21, 1), t_(S21, 2), . . . , t_(S21, w) 3 S31t_(S31, 1), t_(S31, 2), . . . , t_(S31, u) 3 S32 t_(S32, 1), t_(S32, 2),. . . , t_(S32, z) 3 S33 t_(S33, 1), t_(S33, 2), . . . , t_(S33, m) 3S34 t_(S34, 1), t_(S34, 2), . . . , t_(S34, n) . . . . . . . . . N Sn1t_(Sn1, 1), t_(Sn1, 2), . . . , t_(Sn1, v)

In this table, Sij denotes the j-th sequence available for the i-thsource, with the association of a respective time code data sett_(Sij,1), t_(Sij,2), . . . .

As a deliberately simplified example, each sequence may be considered assimply identifying a sequence of on/off switching which must take placeat the identified times of the related time code data t_(Sij,1),t_(Sij,2), . . . .

In one or more embodiments, as exemplified in the Figures, server SP maybe located remotely from ambient A, and may be configured to communicateremotely with controller LC, with the ability of exchanging said DataPackages along a connection, e.g. a web connection such as the Internet.

In one or more embodiments as exemplified in FIGS. 2 and 3, controllerLC may be practically embedded in server SP, while keeping the role of“local” controller as defined in the foregoing.

Moreover, the ability is preserved to interact with sources 1, 2, . . ., n, so as to control the operating parameters thereof and/or tointeract with remote controller RC, which may host the calibrationsoftware mentioned in the foregoing.

As regards the connection and the interaction between server SP, localcontroller LC and remote controller RC, different solutions may beresorted to as exemplified in the Figures.

For example, FIGS. 1 and 4 refer to possible solutions whereincontroller LC performs the role of a node, to which server SP, remotecontroller RC and sources 1, 2, . . . , n are connected.

On the other hand, FIGS. 2 and 3 exemplify solutions wherein, ascontroller LC is embedded in server SP, the assembly including server SPand controller LC is connected both with remote controller RC and withsources 1, 2, . . . , n.

As regards the specific implementations, the connections may be eitherwired or wireless, comprising either standard or specific datatransmission protocols.

In one or more embodiments, controller LC and remote controller RC maybe embedded in one device such as a smartphone, a smart TV set, specificdevices such as a Set Top Box, or in a computer.

Moreover, in one or more embodiments the physical interaction withserver SP may be limited to one of controller LC or remote controllerRC; in this case, the component which is not connected to server SP(e.g. controller LC, or respectively remote controller RC) uses theconnected device (i.e. remote controller RC or, respectively, controllerLC) for transferring data towards server SP.

In embodiments as exemplified in FIGS. 2 and 3, lighting sources 1, 2, .. . , n may be connected directly to server SP, the functions ofcontroller LC being practically embedded in server SP.

In such a case, remote controller RC may connect directly to server SP,e.g. via standard functions similar to those used on a smartphone or atablet.

In one or more embodiments, local controller LC implements thecommunication of server SP with the fixtures 1, 2, . . . , n and withremote controller RC.

In one or more embodiments, as exemplified in FIGS. 2 and 3, thefixtures and the remote controller may be connected directly to the SP,without the need of a local controller LC as a separate entity. Oneexample is a remote controller RC implemented as a smartphone, thesources comprising an IP address and a router.

In this case, the function of controller LC is practically “embedded”,i.e. it is performed by such other entities.

It will be understood, therefore, that the reference to three separateentities, i.e. local controller LC, server SP and remote control RC ishere merely functional and does not assume, even implicitly, theprovision of such components as physically separated entities.

For example, in one or more embodiments as exemplified in FIGS. 2 and 3,the function of local controller LC which in FIGS. 1 and 4 is shown asperformed by a discrete entity may be carried out directly by server SP.

Moreover, in one or more embodiments, the function of the localcontroller LC may serve to control a certain source or fixture 1, 2, . .. , n by forwarding a lighting sequence to such fixture once it has beenobtained by the SP.

In one or more embodiments, server SP may contain a data repository(i.e. a database) comprising data files or Data Packages which may beselected e.g. by the end user via remote controller RC.

As described in the foregoing, in one or more embodiments each DataPackage may include (at least):

-   -   one or more lighting sequences compatible with sources 1, 2, . .        . , n installed in ambient A, and    -   one or more time code data sets associated, in server SP, to the        lighting sequences.

In one or more embodiments (by acting e.g. on remote controller RC) theuser may therefore select a given lighting sequence for a given source1, 2, . . . , n, thus originating the retrieval, within the repositoryof server SP, of at least one Data Package coupled to the selectedlighting source.

The thus identified Data Package may therefore be used to control thelight radiation sources 1, 2, . . . , n according to the selected DataPackage, i.e. by operating (each) selected light radiation sourcethrough the selective control of at least one operating parameterthereof, according to the operating data contained in the operating datafile (Data Package) retrieved from the repository.

A system as exemplified herein may be used according to a wide range ofpossibilities.

For example, while he is following a given audio/video event (e.g. whilehe is watching a TV show or a film, while he is listening to a concert,etc.), the user may establish (e.g. via remote controller RC) aconnection to server SP, and select one or more given lighting sequenceswhich he wants to apply onto lighting sources 1, 2, . . . , n located inthe ambient A where he is at the moment.

Such a selection may be achieved, e.g., in the repository present inserver SP, from a list of events which has previously been stored inserver SP.

At this point, a lighting sequence which has been selected for a givensource (more precisely, the Data Package associated thereto) may be usedto operate that source according to that sequence, specifically asregards the time code data set.

In one or more embodiments, the related time code data set may enablesynchronising the lighting sequence with the audio/video event on thebasis of the user's request.

It will be appreciated that what has been said in the foregoing withreference to one source may be applied, even simultaneously, to two ormore sources 1, 2, . . . , n.

For this purpose, one or more embodiments may take advantage of the factthat the configuration parameters of sources 1, 2, . . . , n may bestandardized, being e.g. based on the same definition of parameters,thus enabling e.g. the definition of a standardized language linked tothe operating parameters of the light radiation sources of a givenmanufacturer (who may know or own the control configuration).

For example, in one or more embodiments, the Data Packages collected inthe repository of server SP may correspond to lighting sequencesassociated to specific events (e.g. given films, songs, shows), createdand stored in the repository by:

-   -   either professional or amateur lighting directors,    -   producers of music/video software,    -   event organizers,    -   producers, developers and distributors of the lighting sources.

In one or more embodiments, said Data Packages may be generated by theend user and then may be loaded into server SP by taking advantage ofthe existing connection with remote controller RC (optionally throughcontroller LC), so as to confer the end user the role of an amateurlighting director.

In this regard, in one or more embodiments, a given lighting sequencemay be stored in the sources 1, 2, . . . , n, e.g. as a pre-programmedfunction according to a basic operation.

As previously stated, the synchronization (phasing) of the lightingsequences of the repository of server SP may be achieved through thetime code data sets associated to such sequences, which are implementede.g. via a standard communication language which may be used by abroadcast source (web radio, web tv, web music).

In one or more embodiments, such a synchronising mechanism may involvethe intervention of adaptive mechanisms.

Such mechanisms may be either open-loop or closed-loop mechanisms.

The first option may comprise, e.g., an (accurate) estimate andcompensation of the possible delays between the audio/video program andthe signals regulating the application of the lighting sequence, whichmay optionally be improved e.g. by “ping” tests.

In the second instance it is possible to use, as a loop control signal,an ambient audio/video signal which corresponds to the broadcastprogram, e.g. via a TV set or monitor E or a similar device installed inambient A (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

Such an “ambient” signal may be obtained via sensors (e.g. via anaudio/video sensor S such a microphone associated with remote controllerRC—which, as previously stated, may also be implemented via asmartphone, see FIG. 3) or via a direct connection e.g. to said device E(see FIG. 4).

However it may be obtained, said “ambient” audio and/or video signal maybe used either directly or after further processing; the latter may beadapted to be performed, totally or partially, at a remote location,e.g. at server SP, with the consequent possibility of using even ratherpowerful software tools.

In one or more embodiments, the availability of such information on theaudio and/or video program broadcast in ambient A may be used in orderto drive the retrieval of the lighting sequence to be performed bysources 1, 2, . . . , n.

This may be the case e.g. if, for a given audio and/or video program,the repository of server SP offers several different lighting sequences.

In this case, in addition or in alternative to the selection by thefinal user (which can be expressed e.g. via remote controller RC), inone or more embodiments there may be present an automatic selectionimplemented in server SP, optionally on the basis of the previouslycollected information about e.g. the habits or the preferences of theend user.

In one or more embodiments (highlighting again the merely functionalpurpose of the distinction operated herein of controller LC, server SPand remote controller RC), both controller LC and remote controller RCmay be used, at least partially, to store the repository of the DataPackages, e.g. if the connection to server SP is not available at themoment.

In one or more embodiments, a user input data set (e.g. parametersdefined by the user such as e.g. the data concerning a certain mediaevent, the names of given events, programming codes of live or recordedTV shows or sport events, or film titles, music titles, contents ofplaylists offered e.g. by an external service provider) may be loaded,optionally directly, into server SP while being associated with the DataPackages stored therein. Server SP, therefore, is adapted to determinelighting sequences e.g. on the basis of a further set of user input data(i.e. a specific lighting arrangement) so as to receive “tagged” DataPackages (both time-tagged and event-tagged) from server SP, which maycontrol and operate in due time e.g. a set of lighting components (i.e.lighting sources 1, 2, . . . , n).

In one or more embodiments, the operating parameter(s) of lightingsources 1, 2, . . . , n may comprise e.g. brightness and colours, theconsequent possibility being given of adjusting the lighting colour andbrightness e.g. to take into account possible preferences or needs ofthe end user, e.g. to take into account the mesopic/scotopic sensitivityof the human eyes (and the differences in children and adults), theadditional possibility being given of considering daltonism and sightdisturbances of various nature.

As regards so-called “special effects”, the controllable operatingparameters may comprise parameters for underwater lighting effects orfor light fountain effects, e.g. the possibility being given ofregulating different colour shades to take into account and/or reproducethe absorbing effect of water.

As for the geometric parameters (such as the orientation of the lightsources), optionally in combination with the selective control ofparameters such as brightness, it is possible to take into account forexample geometric factors (e.g. height or size) of ambient A.

It will be appreciated, moreover, that in one or more embodiments thefunctional connection towards light radiation sources 1, 2, . . . , ndoes not necessarily require a physical connection, as it may beimplemented as wireless, DMX or other methods.

As previously stated, programming codes (optionally encrypted) may bestored in sources 1, 2, . . . , n, in such a way as as to enable aselective control by entitled users.

A further possibility consists in using software code (e.g. anapplication or “App” for mobile phone, or TV, or web) on the localcontroller LC for selecting music (audio data, optionally associatedwith video data) from a distributor acting as a source, the datasequence being received together with the lighting sequence. Theapplication may synchronize the data sets by sending them, e.g. via alocal area network (LAN) (multicast and/or broadcast, for example) toconnected devices, such as a TV set, an audio system, and the group oflighting sources 1, 2, . . . , n. A partial/total buffer may compensatefor the delay and/or the slowness of the network.

One or more embodiments may adopt particular modes of encoding/decodingthe data set of the lighting sequences.

For example, the data set may be encoded and loaded into server SP afteror while programming a sequence, or at least at the end thereof.

For example, again, a data set coupled with a given selected lightingsequence may be decoded by the end user through a decoding algorithm,which maybe:

-   -   either embedded in the lighting source(s),    -   or embedded in one or more additional hardware devices, outside        the sources, which decode the sequences and send them to the        sources.

In one or more embodiments, the sources may be addressed individually bythe decoder, either directly or by having the decoder address a sourceacting as a master, which subsequently transfers the sequence(s) to theother sources, acting as slaves.

It will be appreciated that various aspects of the solution may betransferred from one to another of the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

For example, in an arrangement as exemplified in FIG. 1, localcontroller LC may include a simple mobile phone with a given application(APP) installed therein.

In one or more embodiments, in order to achieve a protection againstvarious intrusions (e.g. from competitors), the lighting sequences maybe encoded with a protective encryption in server SP, a hardware decodermay be used (optionally a physical device embedded in a master source,which subsequently transfers the related information to the slavesources).

One or more embodiments may therefore envisage:

-   -   coupling respective audio and/or video data to the data files        (Data Packages), and/or    -   applying protective encoding to said data files, and/or    -   coupling said data files to respective audio and/or video data,        by applying protective coding to said files and to the        respective audio and/or video data associated thereto.

In the case of videogames, the entitlement to creating the lightingsequences may be restricted to the game designers only, by enabling e.g.the calibration of the lighting arrangement via console, the sequencesbeing stored in a repository at a server of the videogame publisher.

One or more embodiments, as described in the foregoing, may envisage theso-called streaming of pre-programmed stored data (from a datarepository) together with media files (audio, video), and inputting itinto a controller that operates/controls auxiliary lighting fixtures, soas to generate lighting effects which enhance the experience of theviewer/customer.

The lighting fixtures may employ e.g. LED sources, which may be arrangedaccording to RGB or RGBW patterns, and/or a combination of varioussources (halogen lamps, discharge lamps, LEDs, laser diodes, LaserActivated Remote Phosphor—LARP, etc.)

One or more embodiments as previously described may envisage thefollowing operation:

-   -   i) the lighting designer programs lighting sequences for effect        lighting luminaries, which are adapted to enhance the        video/audio content consumed by the user, such as movies,        various shows, music, computer games etc. This may take place        according to lighting programs which are recognized as standard        in the lighting industry (e.g. effect lighting for shows,        musical performances, etc.);        -   the lighting programs are stored into a data repository,            e.g. at media providers and/or media distributors;        -   if the users want e.g. to stream music, from sources such as            e.g. Spotify™ or Tidal™, and/or watch movies from sources            such as e.g. Netflix™, they may also receive the            pre-programmed fixture lighting sequences streamed, with the            possibility of applying them (e.g. by means of their home            WLAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™) to a specific lighting fixture. The            pre-programmed lighting sequences are time encoded, and may            be synchronized with the audio/video content (e.g.            video/music) and cooperate with the external lighting            fixtures.

One or more embodiments may provide adaptive lighting effects,especially for the possible usage in a context of game playing, e.g.while playing an electronic game.

One or more embodiments, therefore, may envisage providing “on-the-fly”adaptively generated lighting effects programs or activation codes, soas to drive lighting fixtures coordinating them with media files, suchas game programs and data, in order to perform e.g. lighting sequenceswhich take into account the current game and/or player status.

Applications of lighting networks for entertainment or game purposes aredescribed in documents such as U.S. Pat. No. 9,011,247 B2, U.S. Pat. No.9,220,158 B2 or U.S. Pat. No. 8,878,991 B2, with the possible couplingof the input video data with auxiliary lighting effects based onpre-programmed lighting identifiers.

It has been found that visual and auditory stimulation may be veryimportant for a user playing a game such as a computer game, e.g. avideogame.

Videogames are becoming increasingly complex and, due to this highercomplexity and articulation, providing pre-programmed lighting sequencesmay not be an optimal choice.

One way to enhance the stimulating effect may consist in originatingadaptive lighting sequences.

This result may be achieved by resorting to different solutions.

For example, input display data (e.g. from a graphics card) may be usedto calculate the colour coordinates of predefined areas of the screen(e.g. patches of 1 cm² to 10 cm²).

Subsequently, the average or the total sum may be taken for a certainarea, and such values may be applied (e.g. via data streaming) to thesoftware/controller for the external lighting fixtures, such as sources1, 2, . . . .

This action may be repeated with a fixed or variable frequency (e.g.every second, every five seconds etc.).

The refresh frequency may be defined by different subjects, such as e.g.the game developer, the console developer, the final user, the lightingdesigner or the lighting fixture developer. In this way, the lightingsources (e.g. the sources denoted as 1, 2, . . . , n in the Figures) mayrespond adaptively to what is taking place in a videogame, which isbeing played e.g. on a mobile terminal such as a tablet or a smartphone(e.g. the terminal denoted as RC in the Figures) or on a screen ordisplay (e.g. the screen denoted as E in FIGS. 3 and 4).

The regulation (adjustment) of the lighting experience may therefore bebased e.g. on the game score and/or on the screen content (it will beappreciated that the adjustment is not based simply on the screencolours, but it is based on the content being shown).

The content, e.g. the game score or scenario, may be defined by the gameprogrammer, so that it may be embedded into the game environment (e.g.settings, dangers, actions), and/or it may analysed by means of a fastoptical analysis (by using tools such as Google analytics).

It is also possible to take into account the game score of one or moreplayers.

For example, the higher the score, the more intense the stimulation(e.g. in terms of brightness, flashing modes, etc.).

In one or more embodiments, the lighting action may also be adjusted incorrelation to the score or the content of other users.

For example, in case of a game with multiple players playing in teams,the light may be increased or decreased as a function of the score ofthe overall score of the team, not of the single player.

In addition or as an alternative, the lighting may be changed as afunction of the content shown by a screen of a player in the same team:for instance, if one of the players is defeated, the light fixtures maygenerate a e.g. red radiation pulse in the room; or else, for example,if a player in the team reaches a certain target, the light may becomee.g. pulsing yellow.

Of course, there may be as many variants as desired.

This operation may obviously be extended to other situations featuringall players one against the other, or where players do not necessarilyplay in parallel, or in a tournament or contest: for example, if thescore of a player A exceeds a game record achieved by another player,e.g. player B, the lighting for player A may assume a certain colour,e.g. yellow. If player B is playing at the same time, the light in theenvironment of player B, whose record has been broken, may assume acorresponding colour, e.g. red.

It will be appreciated that such a situation may be applied also in thecase of players acting in different environments.

A similar approach may be applied if multiple players are within thesame environment, and if one or more lighting sources are associated toa given player and/or to each player. In this case, different playerswill have the respective associated light fixtures dynamically changingone or more operating parameters, according to each player'sperformance.

In one or more embodiments, the lighting cues (the lighting programs)may be included in a database (and therefore they do not necessarilyreside at the player/developer), the game algorithm being adapted to usethese cues upon demand. Such an approach may be applied, for example, togames which are downloaded (and therefore which do not necessarilyreside on a remote computer or on a smartphone), or to games which areplayed totally on line.

In this way, the user may select among a variety of methods foradaptively enhancing the lighting effects.

In one or more embodiments, certain lighting sequences and/or certainsequences activating the lighting sequence may be temporarily neglected(i.e. stalled) for certain periods of a game or for the entire durationof the game, and may be applied only before or after playing.

In one or more embodiments, the users may also employ the originallighting sequence, with its activation codes which come together withthe media data, e.g. online media data including online game data orpre-programmed game data.

One or more embodiments may therefore concern a method of controlling,as a function of a videogame played with at least one display (e.g. RC,E), lighting sources (e.g. 1, 2, . . . , n), said lighting sourceshaving at least one operating parameter which is controllable in atleast one lighting sequence as a function of a time code data setcoupled with said sequence, the method including:

-   -   providing a repository (e.g. SP) of operating data files for the        lighting sources, said operating data files being coupled with        said lighting sources, with each data file including at least        one time code data set for at least one lighting sequence for a        respective one of said lighting sources,    -   retrieving in said data repository at least one operating data        file coupled with a selected one of said lighting sources,    -   detecting at said at least one display at least one videogame        signal indicative of the development of said videogame, and    -   operating said selected lighting source by controlling said at        least one operating parameter as a function of the operating        data included in the operating data file retrieved and as a        function of said at least one videogame signal.

One or more embodiments may include detecting said at least onevideogame signal indicative of the development of said videogame as afunction of display command data for at least one display area of saiddisplay.

For example, the generation of a videogame signal as considered hereinmay entail an analysis of a video content on the basis of techniquessuch as image recognition, e.g. via an external (video)camera, withregard to factors such as e.g. the number of moving objects, the typeand nature of the same, e.g. robots, monsters, humans, e.g. by applyingtools such as Google Analytics™.

In one or more embodiments, said display command data may include one ofthe sum and the average value of the colour coordinates of at least onedisplay area of said display.

One or more embodiments may include detecting said at least onevideogame signal from said display at a given rate, fixed or variable.

One or more embodiments may include:

-   -   detecting at a plurality of displays respective videogame        signals indicative of the development of said videogame, and    -   operating said selected lighting source by controlling said at        least one operating parameter as a function of the operating        data included in the operating data file retrieved and as a        function of said respective videogame signals.

One or more embodiments may include:

-   -   detecting at a plurality of displays respective videogame        signals indicative of the development of said videogame, and    -   operating a plurality of said lighting sources by controlling at        least one operating parameter of said plurality of said lighting        sources as a function of the operating data included in        respective operating data files retrieved and as a function of        said respective videogame signals.

One or more embodiments may include operating the lighting sources ofsaid plurality by controlling at least one operating parameter of eachlighting source of said plurality as a function of the operating dataincluded in a respective operating data file retrieved and as a functionof at least one respective videogame signal.

One or more embodiments may include selectively stalling, during atleast part of the playing time of the videogame, the operation of saidselected lighting source.

One or more embodiments may concern a lighting system, for use togetherwith at least one videogame display, the system including:

-   -   at least one lighting source having at least one operating        parameter which is controllable in at least one lighting        sequence as a function of a time code data set coupled with said        sequence,    -   a repository of operating data files for lighting sources, said        operating data files being coupled with a plurality of lighting        sources, with each data file including at least one time code        data set for at least one lighting sequence for a respective one        of said lighting sources,    -   a detector configured for detecting at said at least one display        at least one videogame signal indicative of the development of        said videogame, and    -   control means configured for:    -   retrieving in said repository at least one operating data file        coupled with a selected lighting source,    -   operating said selected lighting source by controlling said at        least one operating parameter as a function of the operating        data included in the operating data file retrieved and as a        function of said at least one videogame signal, the system being        configured for operating with the method according to one or        more embodiments.

One or more embodiments may concern a computer program product, loadablein the memory of at least one computer and including software codeportions for performing the method according to one or more embodiments.

Without prejudice to the basic principles, the implementation detailsand the embodiments may vary, even appreciably, with respect to what hasbeen described herein by way of non-limiting example only, withoutdeparting from the extent of protection.

The extent of protection is defined by the annexed claims.

While the disclosed embodiments have been particularly shown anddescribed with reference to specific embodiments, it should beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form anddetail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the disclosed embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Thescope of the disclosed embodiments is thus indicated by the appendedclaims and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

1. A method of controlling lighting sources as a function of a videogameplayed with at least one display, said lighting sources having at leastone operating parameter which is controllable in at least one lightingsequence as a function of a time code data set coupled therewith, themethod comprising: providing a repository of operating data files forsaid sources, said operating data files coupled with said lightingsources with each data file including at least one time code data setfor at least one lighting sequence for a respective one of said lightingsources, retrieving in said repository at least one operating data filecoupled with a selected one of said lighting sources, detecting at saidat least one display at least one videogame signal indicative of thedevelopment of said videogame, and operating said selected one of saidlighting sources by controlling said at least one operating parameter asa function of the operating data included in the operating data fileretrieved and as a function of said at least one videogame signal. 2.The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting said at least onevideogame signal indicative of the development of said videogame as afunction of display command data for at least one display area of saiddisplay.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said display command datainclude one of a sum and an average value of colour coordinates of atleast one display area of said display.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising detecting said at least one videogame signal fromsaid display at a given rate, fixed or variable.
 5. The method of claim1, further comprising: detecting at a plurality of displays respectivevideogame signals indicative of the development of said videogame, andoperating said selected one of said lighting sources by controlling saidat least one operating parameter as a function of the operating dataincluded in the operating data file retrieved and as a function of saidrespective videogame signals.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: detecting at a plurality of displays respective videogamesignals indicative of the development of said videogame, and operating aplurality of said lighting sources by controlling at least one operatingparameter of said plurality of lighting sources as a function of theoperating data included in a respective operating data file retrievedand as a function of said respective videogame signals.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising operating the lighting sources of saidplurality by controlling at least one operating parameter of eachlighting source of said plurality as a function of the operating dataincluded in a respective operating data file retrieved and as a functionof said respective videogame signals.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising selectively stalling operation of said selected one of saidlighting sources over at least part of a playing time of said videogame.9. A lighting system, for use together with at least one videogamedisplay, the system comprising: at least one lighting source having atleast one operating parameter which is controllable in at least onelighting sequence as a function of a time code data set coupledtherewith, a repository of operating data files for lighting sources,said operating data files coupled with a plurality of lighting sourceswith each data file including at least one time code data set for atleast one lighting sequence for a respective one of said lightingsources, a detector configured for detecting at said at least onedisplay at least one videogame signal indicative of the development ofsaid videogame, and control means configured for: retrieving in saidrepository at least one operating data file coupled with a selected oneof said lighting sources, operating said selected lighting source bycontrolling said at least one operating parameter as a function of theoperating data included in the operating data file retrieved and as afunction of said at least one videogame signal, the system configuredfor operating a method of controlling lighting sources as a function ofa videogame played with at least one display.
 10. A computer programproduct, loadable in a memory of at least one computer and includingsoftware code portions for performing a method of controlling lightingsources as a function of a videogame played with at least one display,said lighting sources having at least one operating parameter which iscontrollable in at least one lighting sequence as a function of a timecode data set coupled therewith, the method comprising: providing arepository of operating data files for said sources, said operating datafiles coupled with said lighting sources with each data file includingat least one time code data set for at least one lighting sequence for arespective one of said lighting sources, retrieving in said datarepository at least one operating data file coupled with a selected oneof said lighting sources, detecting at said at least one display atleast one videogame signal indicative of the development of saidvideogame, and operating said selected one of said lighting sources bycontrolling said at least one operating parameter as a function of theoperating data included in the operating data.